Zentropa Spain orders ‘Menu’

Von Trier's company greenlights comedy

Zentropa Spain, the Spanish arm of Lars von Trier’s Zentropa Entertainment that launched in September, has greenlit its first feature, “Tasting Menu,” a gastronomic ensemble comedy.

Reflecting the globalization of the film market, the “Tasting” cast will actually decide what language the film will be made in, not the other way round, said Zentropa Spain CEO David Matamoros.

Trust-Nordisk will handle international sales.

“Tasting” is Spanish writer-helmer Roger Gual’s third feature after “Remake” and “Smoking Room.” Script is penned by Gual and Silvia Gonzalez.

A romantic comedy, “Tasting” turns on a divorced couple who still meet at their favorite restaurant, the best in the world, including on the night of its closure.

The restaurant’s chef is set the challenge of rustling up the best dinner of his life.

Multiple secondary characters’ viewpoints on life vary as much as their reactions to the dinner they eat, said Zentropa Spain CEO David Matamoros.

Shoot will take place at Catalonia’s legendary El Bulli, a restaurant north of Barcelona owned by Ferran Adria, who is ranked as one of the world’s leading master chefs. Adria will serve as film’s gastronomic consultant.

“Roger Gual is one of the freshest and strongest voices on the international scene, but a director who doesn’t forget about audiences,” Matamoros said.

Zentropa Spain, Spanish commercial broadcaster Telecinco and Fausto Prods. have teamed up for a two-part TV series, “Alakrana,” helmed by Salvador Calvo and written by Jorge Guerricaechevarria.

Based on a true story, “Alakrana” revolves around the kidnapping of a Spanish tuna fishing boat by Somali pirates.